Chances are good that at some point in your life you will need to consult a professional electrician or electrical contractor.  It is good to know some questions to ask a potential electrical service provider to lean whether the individuals you are considering are fully qualified to do the work right.  The following is a list of questions that the website Copper.org suggests that you ask before you hire an electrician.

1. Are you licensed in this municipality? Not all states, counties or towns regulate or require licenses for electricians, but it’s prudent to check first with your local building department. Also ask if electrical work in your municipality must adhere to standards established by the National Electrical Code.
2. Will my electrical panel need replacement? The current National Electrical Code recommends a minimum 100-amp incoming electrical service. If your service panel provides less, it should be upgraded to this level or better to meet today’s home requirements. Most new homes are wired with 200-amp service.
3. Will I have to apply for a permit? If a permit is required, the electrician often will make the application for the homeowner. Some municipalities allow homeowners to do minor electrical repairs and installations if they first secure a permit and have the work inspected when complete.
4. Is my home’s electrical system adequately grounded? Ground-wiring protects a home and its occupants in case of an electrical fault, such as a short-circuit.  But grounding also protects expensive electronic equipment like computers and many appliances. An electrician can quickly check and add grounding capacity if needed.
5. Are there any hidden costs for the work? The electrician should do a thorough preliminary inspection and provide you with a firm, accurate estimate of the work involved, along with the cost of fixtures or wiring that will be installed. If additional work is necessary, it can be negotiated and billed separately.
6. If my service needs upgrading, will the entire house have to be rewired? Unless you live in a very old home with antiquated wiring, you probably won’t have to replace your existing electrical lines. However, if you require more electrical capacity in certain rooms, new wiring runs and additional outlets are likely to be needed.

It is always good to ask your new electrician a lot of questions!

If your electrician doesn’t want to take the time to answer them then you need to find another professional quickly.  These questions are a good start but it is always good to think of any others you might have.  Write them down before your appointment so that you won’t forget to get all the information you will need to make a qualified decision.  Triangle Electrician’s staff is happy to answer any and all questions their clients have.  To find out more about how you can get a free estimate from Triangle Electricians visit their contact page and fill our the form to have a qualified electrician contact you.